Lin, Y.-G.Y.-G.LinHsu, Y.-K.Y.-K.HsuChen, Y.-C.Y.-C.ChenWang, S.-B.S.-B.WangMiller, J.T.J.T.MillerChen, L.-C.L.-C.ChenChen, K.-H.K.-H.Chen2020-06-182020-06-18201217545692https://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/503273We report the new design of a high-activity model for photocatalytic nanosystem comprising an Ag core covered with an approximately 2 nm thick nanoshell of Ag3(PO4)1-x (Ag@Ag 3(PO4)1-x) on the ZnO NRs that are visible-light-sensitive photofunctional electrodes with strong photooxidative capabilities to evolve O2 from water. The maximum photoconversion efficiency that could be successfully achieved was 2%, with a significant photocurrent of 3.1 mA cm-2. Furthermore, in addition to achieving a maximum IPCE value of 90%, it should be noted that the IPCE of Ag@Ag 3(PO4)1-x photosensitized ZnO photoanodes at the monochromatic wavelength of 400 nm is up to 60%. Our photoelectrochemical performances are comparable to those of many oxide-based photoanodes in recent reports. The improvement in photoactivity of PEC water-splitting may be attributed to the enhanced near-field amplitudes resulting from localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Ag-core and absorption edge of the Ag 3(PO4)1-x nanoshell, which increase the rate of formation of electron-hole pairs at the nearby surface of Ag 3(PO4)1-x nanoshell and ZnO nanorod, thus enlarging the amount of photogenerated charge contributing to photocatalysis. The capability of developing highly photoactive Ag@Ag3(PO 4)1-x-photosensitized ZnO photoanodes opens up new opportunities in various photocatalytic areas, particularly solar-hydrogen fields. © 2012 The Royal Society of Chemistry.[SDGs]SDG6[SDGs]SDG7Absorption edges; Electron hole pairs; Localized surface plasmon resonance; Monochromatic wavelength; Near-field; New design; Photo-anodes; Photo-catalytic; Photoactivity; Photoconversion efficiency; Photoelectrochemical performance; Photogenerated charge; Plasmonic; Water oxidation; Water splitting; ZnO; ZnO nanorod; Hydrogen; Nanorods; Nanoshells; Nanostructured materials; Photocatalysis; Solar power generation; Surface plasmon resonance; Water absorption; Zinc oxide; Silver; catalysis; nanotechnology; oxidation; photochemistry; silver; zincjournal article10.1039/c2ee22185c